High School Senior, 3 Others Killed In CT Crash: Reports

NEWINGTON, CT — Local police are investigating a horrific, multi-vehicle crash in Newington Saturday morning that officials said has claimed four lives.

The Newington Police Department said Saturday afternoon that they were "saddened to report" that the three-vehicle crash on Willard Avenue (Route 173) "resulted in four fatalities."

Police said they were not yet identifying the crash victims, pending notification of next of kin.

According to NBC Connecticut, three of the deceased are Newington High School senior, Gabriela Difo, her mother, Florinda Tineo, and her aunt, Jeannette Tineo. The ID of the fourth person killed in the crash has not yet been released.

According to the state Department of Transportation, Route 173 was closed between Route 175 (Cedar Street) and Robbins Avenue through Saturday afternoon because of the multi-vehicle accident.

The DOT said the accident was first reported just before 10 a.m. Saturday, and it was cleared by about 3:45 p.m. It is no longer listed on the DOT's incident report.

Newington police said officers, Newington Fire Volunteer Fire Department firefighters, and emergency medical responders discovered the crash involved three vehicles.

"Despite immediate life-saving efforts, the victims were pronounced deceased at the scene," wrote the NPD Saturday afternoon.

Police said an additional individual involved in the crash sustained minor injuries.

"Our thoughts are with the victims' family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," wrote the NPD.

Police said the cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Mid-State Accident Reconstruction Squad.

"At this time, no further details are being released pending appropriate notifications and the ongoing investigation," wrote police.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact Newington Police Officer Gabriella Lambros at 860-594-6229.

From April 21: 'Victims Officially Identified In Saturday's Tragic Newington Accident: UPDATE'